I am relatively new, or, well rather returning. I think I posted a couple of times on the old board, but I just re - signed up for the new one.

As I posted on another area here, my old doc retired and the new one I got doesn't seem to "believe in" lymphedema. She told me I didn't have it because both of my legs are swollen. She spent most of the first (and only) appointment I had with her trying to convince me to get bariatric surgery because she feels that I am just fat.

At any rate, while I am trying to find a different doc, I have a rather immediate problem. The swelling in my legs (both) has been getting steadily worse and it is very nearly at the point where I cannot wear shoes any more. I sleep in my shoes to try to keep the swelling down enough so I can still get them on, but even with doing that, I can barely get them on any more, and even my toes are swollen and pinched and uncomfortable in my big tennis shoes.

Until I find a doc who will allow me to get tx what can I do about shoes? I need to be able to wear shoes in order to be able to work, and I need to be able to work in order to keep my health insurance and have any hope at all of being able to afford treatment, and also, of course, in order to avoid homelessness, etc.

I was kinda hoping some of the ladies would answer with where they get their shoes

What I do is buy the shoe according to the size of the most swollen foot, with me it is generally the left.

I'm not sure what type of shoes you are allowed to wear at work, but what you may want to do is try and wear shoes that are (for example) made for people who are on their feet a lot.

Usually, these shoes give you the "under" foot support and give you support over the entire foot. This is important too because of the extra weight of the leg and the strain put on the feet.

Now I'm a guy, but I wear these shoes from Dr. Scholls. They look very much like Hush Puppies are are sold at WalMart. They last forever and the price is super when compared to comperable shoes.

Whatever you do, stay away from heels, stay away from heels, stilettos - shoes of that nature. Their are hard on feet anyway. Also, stay away from shoes that are pointed or that constrict your feet that way.

I will try and find out where you can get shoes, but it may take a few days.

(1) I've used shoes from Hotter, which are very comfortable to wear, withadjustable/velcro straps and wide fittings. www.hottershoes.com.

(2) Pat-I get mine through Footsmart.com - lots of different solutions for lots ofdifferent foot problems. I look for things that stretch and are low at theankle, of course. They have over-the-counter compression products too.I was even able to find my cousin a pair of dress shoes and she is hard to fit -she has women's size 12 feet! Hope that helps!

I am sorry that I missed your original request for info on buying shoes. I also have very swollen feet which are hard to find shoes that fit. I live in N.Y. I always give the same advice which is to look in the yellow pages of your phone book for shoe stores that advertise that they sell shoes in hard to fit sizes, such as extra wide.

The shoes may not be too feminine and they will be more expensive but they will be comfortable. Good luck!

I've got one pair of shoes/slippers with just straps,all straps are adjustable, i got them when was wearing bandages around my feet/lower legs and i couldnt wear shoes. the straps made my feet get very swollen in between the straps, but at least i was waering some kind of shoe.

i dont fit into crocs or more or less any other shoe unless i buy them way too big in length. i got a pair of shoes which is a special width size, they were expensive but theyre very comftable and very good quality. i got them at a shop where they also had a clinic where they help people with walk problems or foot problems. perhaps you could look for a shop like that in your area

Has anyone tried making their own shoes? I love shoes, adore them and have a closet full of shoes I can't wear. I've been looking through them to see ifthere are any I can take to a cobbler and have adjusted with elastic or ties. Then I started wondering if I could make my own. Anyone tried this?

If only one leg is affected by lymphedema, you may find it necessary to buy two different shoe sizes. By searching the Internet for Odd Size Shoes you can find special services, such as National Odd Shoe Exchange, Wide Shoes, and Birkenstock Express. They are all specialized in accommodating the need to purchase shoes in each different size.

Since MLD treatment, my left foot requires a wide shoe and my right regular width. Prior to the treatment, I wore double wide shoes. What I've found helpful, as Pat said earlier, is to buy shoes to fit the larger foot. I also look for sandals with the hook and loop closures for adjustability; otherwise, the narrower of the feet sometimes "swims" in the wide shoe. One brand that has helped time and again is Propet. This was first introduced to me at a specialty foot store, but this brand is sold elsewhere as well. Hope this helps.

I forgot to mention previously that, when I was new to lymphedema, I wore extra depth shoes which allowed for excessive swelling. I wore the lace-up or velcro-fastened styles. Since then, I've explored other options, including the Propet sandals I mentioned and Crocs. Be careful with the Crocs though - I know of a few people who had falls with them.

Queenie, where do you find Propets? Zappo's once carried a leather lace-up that I really like. I have one pair that I save for dress. They are beginning to wear. Zappos no longer carry them. They have been replaced with soft tops and tennis shoes. Only two of the styles fit me. My swollen toes wear out the soft tops but the tennis shoes are great. I wear them to church when I can't get my leather shoes on. Gee, I sound like I am whining! Actually I am lying back in my chair with my leg in the air, shelling peas on my chest. (no photo provided).

i also have a swollen foot. one thing that is interesting is that nordstrom will sell you different size shoes. it is on their website listed as single shoe service. it is worth a try. i have not tried it because i am still wearing extra wide sneakers. hope this helps